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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
4.5 well deserved stars. While I save 5 star ratings for books that haunt me for years after I’ve read them like, “The Book Thief” and “The Bean Trees,” I was very tempted to give this one 5 stars. The story is a familiar one ~ gypsy parent, emotionally damaged kid who grows up tough- but there is such a fun uniqueness woven into it with the mythology and the eccentric, bohemian mother’s storytelling. You will find yourself endeared y the main character in spite of her initial rough rub and wholeheartedly rooting for her unlikely (but not unlikable) suitor -Birdwine. The story itself warms up slowly but leaves you with a little tear in your eye and smile on your face when it’s over.
I love the complicated family relationships this author gives us. Not gonna lie, this one made me cry at the end. It's a (mostly) happy ending.
I wasn't sure how to rate this one because I can't quite articulate what I disliked about the story, but there was something at the beginning- I think that was Kai. And Kali at the beginning of the story. They both irritated me. But I overall really liked the story. And I think the ending was perfect. Kali grew on me as her character developed. Also, the story line became more engrossing as I progressed.
I would encourage anyone who gets this far into checking the book out to read it.
I would not recommend this for young adults (ie: teens/high schoolers). A handful of sex scenes, although not quite at the level of steamy romance novels.
I would encourage anyone who gets this far into checking the book out to read it.
I would not recommend this for young adults (ie: teens/high schoolers). A handful of sex scenes, although not quite at the level of steamy romance novels.
I don't really want to write a review, but there's not so much a way on Goodreads to write notes to yourself, it seems. I couldn't finish this book, which is why I don't want to review it. I was listening to the audiobook and found it to be kind of grandiose in its writing and found the protagonist kind of annoying.
The audiobook also said "fort" instead of "forte" over and over again, which is what made me finally put the book down.
The audiobook also said "fort" instead of "forte" over and over again, which is what made me finally put the book down.
Joshilyn does it again! Compelling characters and a plot line so dramatic I couldn’t put it down.
I had a hard time relating to this story and the characters. I was also looking for a "lighter" read and this book is by no means justified to be in the category of a "lighter" read. In the beginning, the story of Paula, how she was born, and the meaning of her name are compelling. Then the story goes back and forth between her childhood and the present time where she is a successful divorce lawyer. With the dysfunction and hardships she went through as a child in the foster care system, I could not figure out what happened to/changed her that she would go on to become a successful, bad ass lawyer as an adult. This is a large reason I couldn't connect with this book or the characters. I also had a hard time figuring out why so many of the flashbacks had to do with the girl she shared a room with in the foster house when the character had little to do with how she got where she is now.
I will say I did like how most characters and the story line connect at the end, but I felt the loose ends weren't connected until the very end of the story. Honestly, I was relieved when I finished it because I had such distance with this book.
I will say I did like how most characters and the story line connect at the end, but I felt the loose ends weren't connected until the very end of the story. Honestly, I was relieved when I finished it because I had such distance with this book.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my fifth book by Joshilyn Jackson, and either my favorite so far or tied with Gods in Alabama for favorite. It's definitely the first to make me cry. Jackson does a really nice job narrating her own work, too. I especially enjoyed the way she voiced the character of Candace. I felt like I knew the child.
The story nicely captures how a parent might be both terrible and wonderful, and the tumult and confusion that causes in a child's life.
Also, sometimes when I was listening, my teenage son was in the room. He pretended not to be interested, but then would ask me questions to get himself caught up on the plot, so I knew he was secretly a little invested, and I heard him chuckle quietly at some funny bits. So yeah it's chick lit, but not only.
The story nicely captures how a parent might be both terrible and wonderful, and the tumult and confusion that causes in a child's life.
Also, sometimes when I was listening, my teenage son was in the room. He pretended not to be interested, but then would ask me questions to get himself caught up on the plot, so I knew he was secretly a little invested, and I heard him chuckle quietly at some funny bits. So yeah it's chick lit, but not only.